Cooper Flagg clarifies NBA Draft stance after disappointing end to NCAA championship dreams

Cooper Flagg's disappointing end to college season had some believing he could return to contend for a national championship.

Cooper Flagg clarifies NBA Draft stance after disappointing end to NCAA championship dreams

Cooper Flagg ready to play for any NBA team

Cooper Flagg and his Duke Blue Devils could not get the job done in the final few minutes of their NCAA Final Four game. Now with championship dreams shattered, the primary question is if the phenom wants to run it back for another attempt or move on to the NBA.

A few weeks before this game, some speculated that the 18-year-old was thinking of returning for another season. He was happy with the team chemistry and felt they had what it took to win the championship.

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After Duke lost their Final Four game, NBA teams at the bottom of the standings were worried. If Cooper Flagg did return for another college season, they would not be as excited for the NBA draft lottery as they would. To help clear the situation, reporters asked the Duke sensation about his future.

It would be a blessing for me to get drafted [by any] team in the NBA. That’s a dream of mine, to play in the NBA. I would feel completely blessed and honored to play for any team.

Adam Zagoria wrote

NJ.com’s Adam Zagoria quoted Cooper Flagg’s answer, which indicates he is ready to enter the NBA Draft. The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans will look to steal the No. 1 overall pick. Flagg’s answer confirms he will be happy with any team that selects him.

Cooper Flagg will elevate any of the lottery teams

Those four will not be the only teams entering the 2025 NBA Draft lottery. Last season, the Atlanta Hawks had the 10th best odds with just 3% but ended up winning the 1st overall pick. That means any team in the bottom 10 of the league can end up with the No. 1 overall pick.

Cooper Flagg’s size and skill set means he will elevate any team that he goes to. Naturally, the league would want one of the worst teams to net him. That way, the balance of power shifts and along with his stardom, will help balance viewership.

If the Utah Jazz land him, the team could suddenly become a force. They have young pieces in Isaiah Collier, Walker Kessler and Keyonte George along with solid veteran pieces in Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen.

Slotting him into the lineup would make them a solid threat. But so would the Charlotte Hornets as Flagg would team up with LaMelo Ball. It could be the young star resurgence the league needs after banking on the veterans for far too long.

When is the NBA Draft lottery?

The 2024-25 season is still in session and there are a few more games to play to finally decide where each team stands. After the season is over, teams ranking 7 to 10 in either conference will face off in the play in tournament.

The final bottom of the table standings can only be determined after four teams fall out of the playoff completely. Once that is set, each team from the bottom up will be assigned lottery odds in percentage form.

Then on May 12th, ping pong balls with each team name will enter the lottery machine. Teams will hope that Adam Silver calls their name first. Whoever nets it, will likely select Cooper Flagg. This season’s draft though, is stronger than last years and teams picking 1-5 will not go wrong with either player.

This draft class may not be as loaded as either the famed 1994 or the 2003 classes. But teams will receive players with whom they can continue building a solid roster. They might all want to get their hands on Flagg and will hope for their lottery luck to shine.